In 1831, Dr. William Samuel Emerson and his family moved from Kennebunk, Maine, to the town of Alton, Illinois. As Alton’s first physician, Dr. Emerson sought to bring his family’s ethical religion, Unitarianism, to the turbulent frontier town. Services began in his office, and his wife, Olive, found comfort in singing hymns from her hymn book, longing for the familiarity of their church back in Maine.
By 1836, enough people had joined them in practicing this liberal religion that the Unitarians called their first minister, Rev. Charles Andrew Farley, a Harvard graduate. Rev. Farley preached his first sermon on December 7, 1836, marking the founding of the Unitarian Church in Alton. Despite challenges like Dr. Emerson’s death in 1837 and the violent social upheaval following the murder of abolitionist Elijah P. Lovejoy, the small congregation persisted. Rev. William Greenleaf Eliot from the Unitarian Church in St. Louis provided ongoing support and encouragement, making occasional trips up the Mississippi by steamboat to preach.
The congregation, formally known as the First Unitarian Church of Alton, faced many challenges but continued to grow. By the early 1850s, those interested in starting a Unitarian congregation had gained enough strength to begin public worship again. In 1853, they formed the First Congregational [Unitarian] Society and called their first minister, Rev. William D’Arcy Haley.
In 1854, church member Joshua R. Stanford purchased the site of a former Catholic church that had burned down and transferred the deed to the Trustees of the First Congregational [Unitarian] Society of Alton. By October 1855, the new sanctuary was dedicated. This sanctuary became a center for worship and education, hosting the first public high school in Alton from 1856 to 1866. The school began as a tuition-based “Classical and High School for Young Ladies” and eventually became a co-ed “Advanced School” incorporated into the Alton City free school system.
Throughout the late 19th century, the congregation continued to grow and evolve. In 1878, a brick parsonage was built on the church grounds, and by 1880, the congregation was actively involved in community service, establishing the Free Library in Alton and participating in various city works.
In December 1890, the congregation voted to change the name of the Society to the First Unitarian Church of Alton. In 1898, the women of the church formed a group called the Anna D. Sparks Society, later known as the Alliance, to help the needy in the community. This group, named in memory of church member and community activist Anna Davenport Chapman Sparks, has continued to serve the community and church to this day.
By 1900, the church was free of debt and had about fifty-seven families with an active Sunday School. In 1903, the congregation celebrated its semi-centennial and voted to build a new church overlooking the Mississippi River. The new building, dedicated on October 29, 1905, remains the congregation’s home today.
During this period, the church had several notable ministers, including Rev. Dr. Curtis Reese, a signer of the Humanist Manifesto and head of the Alton Anti-Crime Syndicate, who served from 1913 to 1915. The church continued to play an active role in the community, supporting various social causes and providing space for organizations like the Alton Art Guild and the Alton Civic Orchestra.
The mid-20th century was a time of significant change and growth for the congregation. In 1969, the Religious Education wing was added to the west side of the property. This period also saw the church grappling with societal issues, such as school integration, which led to threats and criticisms but also strengthened the congregation’s commitment to social justice.
In July 2023, the congregation voted to seek a new location to better serve the greater Metro East area. Reflecting this broader mission, the congregation adopted the new name, Metro East Unitarian Universalist Congregation. This change marks a significant chapter in our history, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
With our new name and location, we continue to build on our rich legacy. Metro East Unitarian Universalist Congregation remains dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals can explore their spiritual journeys, connect with others, and make a positive impact on the community and the world. Our mission is to nurture our spirits and put our faith into action, making a difference locally and globally.
Social justice has always been a cornerstone of our congregation. From supporting abolitionist causes in the 19th century to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues in recent years, we actively engage in efforts to create a more just and equitable society. Our programs, such as the 4th Saturday Lunch and partnerships with local organizations, demonstrate our commitment to community service. We have participated in initiatives like the GLBTQ Pride Parade and environmental clean-ups, reflecting our dedication to justice and equality.
Our Religious Education (RE) program has been an integral part of our congregation’s life. From the establishment of the first high school in Alton to our current RE classes, we prioritize lifelong learning. Our programs cater to all ages, encouraging spiritual exploration and growth. Children and youth participate in activities that help them understand Unitarian Universalist principles, and adults engage in discussions and classes that deepen their faith and knowledge.
As we move forward, Metro East Unitarian Universalist Congregation remains a place where individuals can explore their beliefs, connect with others, and make a difference. We honor our past while embracing the future, continually striving to embody our Unitarian Universalist principles in all we do. Our vision includes expanding our outreach, enhancing our programs, and continuing to be a beacon of hope and justice in the Metro East area.
We invite you to be a part of our story, join our community, and help us write the next chapter together. Whether you are seeking a spiritual home, looking for ways to get involved in social justice, or simply wanting to connect with like-minded individuals, there is a place for you at Metro East Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to love, justice, and peace.
You can read the full version of our history here.
A History of First Unitarian Church; Alton, Illinois; 1836 – 1986 by Lottie Forcade
First Unitarian Church of Alton – History Update – 2009
Midwest UU History Vignette: First Unitarian Church, Alton, Illinois
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